Photo: Snapshot of Sina Weibo

 
An online craze celebrating Michelle Yeoh's historical win has swept through Chinese social media after the star was crowned the Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards on Monday, becoming the first woman of Asian descent to triumph in the category.

Related hashtags have topped the entertainment category on China's twitter-like Sina Weibo with over 150 million views.

"Ladies, don't let anybody ever tell you [that] you are past your prime," Yeoh said in her acceptance speech after her win to much applause from many netizens who consider her a real "superhero."

Along with thousands of congratulatory messages, netizens posted praise for Yeoh's "brave, confident, and independent" spirit, noting that it was a combination of these three characteristics that was the key to her success in the "western dominated prize as an Asian actress."

"She is a wonderful woman! She represents Asian actors' resilience in the Western film industry," a Netizen with the handle 'NeoMa' on Sina Weibo posted.

Netizens have also posted under Yeoh's Sina Weibo account and to call her "the pride of Asia."

Some others said Yeoh has become their "role model," especially as a "woman of confidence when facing pressures."

"She never seems to be constrained by age and setbacks, I'm so inspired by her," another netizen posted.

Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) congratulated Yeoh's historical Oscar win, calling it "well deserved." He pointed out that the Hong Kong film industry has given birth to many outstanding actors and film industry professionals, and the win demonstrates the strength of Hong Kong actors and the film industry.

Yeoh took home the Oscar for her starring role in the A24 sci-fi comedy Everything Everywhere All at Once which became the biggest winner by pocketing seven awards in the academy including best picture, director, original screenplay, lead actress, supporting actress, supporting actor, and editing.

Some other Asian stars attended the awards including the Chinese action movie star Donnie Yen as a judge at the academy.

Global Times